One interesting scenario could be if Hitler had been assassinated early in the war. This might have led to a power struggle within the Nazi regime and potentially a quicker end to the war in Europe. Without Hitler's fanatical leadership, the military strategies might have changed drastically.
One interesting plotline could be if the United States entered the war much earlier. This might have led to a quicker end to the stalemate on the Western Front. Another could be if a major technological breakthrough, like a super - effective anti - tank weapon, was developed earlier, changing the nature of trench warfare.
In certain alternate history civil war fictions, a plotline might involve a different political ideology taking hold in one of the regions. For example, if the South had embraced a more socialist - like ideology, the war would not be just about slavery but also about different economic systems. The battles and strategies would be shaped by this new ideological divide. Or, what if a female general emerged in either the North or the South? Her leadership style and decisions would be a unique aspect of the story, challenging the traditional gender roles of the time and influencing the course of the war.
In an alternate history where the Mongols continued their expansion into Europe and successfully conquered it all, there would be a unique blend of cultures. Eurasia could have become a single, vast empire. Horse - based warfare and nomadic traditions might have influenced European society deeply, changing everything from art to governance.
One common character is a fictional Allied spy who manages to infiltrate the highest levels of the Nazi regime. They often play a crucial role in uncovering secret plans or preventing disasters. For example, they might discover the details of a new weapon the Nazis are developing.
A third example is 'SS - GB' by Len Deighton. In this alternate history, Britain has been invaded and occupied by the Germans. It delves into the complex relationships and power struggles in this occupied Britain, exploring how different characters adapt or resist the new order.
One of the great ones is 'The Man in the High Castle' by Philip K. Dick. It presents an alternate world where the Axis powers won World War 2. It's a thought - provoking look at what could have been, exploring themes of power, identity, and the nature of reality.
A really interesting scenario could be where Thor aimed better when he had the chance to kill Thanos. He could have ended the whole threat right there. If he had struck Thanos in the head instead of the chest, the events of the snap would never have occurred, and the universe would have been saved from that mass destruction.
One popular one is 'The Guns of the South' by Harry Turtledove. It imagines a scenario where the South gets AK - 47s during the American Civil War, which drastically changes the course of the war.
Robert Conroy is another popular author. His World War 1 alternate history novels usually involve unique twists on the events of the war. He might change the political situation in one of the warring countries, for example, and show how that affects the entire course of the war.
The unexpected twists are what make them interesting. For example, if the South had a super weapon in an alternate history civil war novel, like in 'The Guns of the South'. It completely changes the power dynamics and the way the war is fought. Also, seeing how different characters might have behaved under different circumstances. If a key general had made a different decision, like in 'Grant Comes East' where different military strategies are explored. It makes you think about how history could have been so different with just a few changes.